4 FT.  SPAN. 


Pittsburg  Jerra 

lumber 


42  SIXTH  HiZENUE, 

PARTITION  TILE. 


PITTSBURGH,  PA. 


FIRE  LOSSES  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES 


AS  AUTHORITATIVELY  COMP 

In  1885, 

In  1886,  . 

In  1887, 

In  1888,  . . . , 

In  1889, 

In  1890,  • 


LED,  WERE  AS  FOLLOWS! 

$102,818,796 
108,924.750 
119,209,380 
. 110,900,000 

115,000,000 
. 132,000,000 


HARD  TILE  ARCH. 


4 FT.  SPAN. 


o 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


CONTENTS. 


Page. 


Introductory — 

Hard  Tile 3 

Material — Manufacture  of 3 

Patents 3 

Reasons  Why  Porous  Tile  Are  Better 3 

Facilities  for  Constructing  and  Manufacturing 4 

What  Tests  Have  Proven 4 

Tests — 


United  States  Government  Test  of  Partition  Tile 
Pittsburgh  Exposition  Test  of  Partition  Tile.  . . . 


Six  Inch  Arch  Dead  Load  Test 6 

Eight  Inch  Arch  Dead  Load  Test 6 

Ten  Inch  Arches  Dead  Load  Test 7 

Eight  Inch  Arch  Dead  Load  Test 8 

Eire  Test  in  England 8 

Denver  Tests — Porous  and  Hard  Tile  Arches  Before  Testing  9 

Dead  Load  Test 10 

Drop  Weight  Test 10 

Fire  and  Water  Test 11 

Continuous  Fire  Test 11 

Arches — 

Table  of  Tile  for  Use  in  Different  Spans 12 

Table  of  Iron  Beams  for  Else  in  Different  Length  Spans.  ...  12 
Perspective  of  Ceilings,  Floors  and  Partitions  in  Fire-Proof 

Buildings 13 

Six  Inch  Arch 13 

Seven  Inch  Arch 13 


Page. 

Eight  Inch  Arch 13 

Section  of  Iron  Framing  for  Fire-Proof  Construction 14 

Nine  Inch  Arch 14 

Ten  Inch  Arch 14 

Twelve  Inch  Arch 14 

Segment  Arch 15 

Voussior  Arch 15 

Improved  Voussoir  Arch 15 

Beam  Covering 16 

Column  Covering 16 

Furring  Walls 16 

Girder  Covering 16 

Mansard  Rook 17 

Roofing  Tile 17 

Suspended  Ceiling 17 

Partitions — 

Advantages  of  Porous  Partitions 18-19 

Table  of  Weights,  Safe  Length  and  Height  of  Walls 19 

Size  of  Blocks 19 

Wooden  Structures  Fire-Poofed — 

Perspective  Showing  a Wooden  Structure  Fire-Proofed 20 

Wooden  Joists  Fire-Proofed 21 

Studding  Fire-Proofed 21 

Wooden  Mansard  Roof  Fire-Proofed 21 

Electric  Switchboard 22 

Testimonials  from  Architects  and  Builders 23-24 

Buildings  Fire-Proofed 25-26 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


INTRODUCTORY. 


N PRESENTING  this  Catalogue  to  Architects  and  Builders,  we  give  only  that  which  has  been  proven  by  practical  experience  to  be  the  best 


FIRE-PROOFING  methods,  and  those  systems,  which  beyond  a question  of  doubt,  are  the  best. 

Up  to  almost  the  time  of  this  Catalogue  going  to  press,  the  question  of  whether  hard  tile  or  porous  tile  was  the  better  for  fire-proofing 


purposes,  has  been  to  some  of  the  building  profession  a grave  question,  but  after  the  tests  at  Denver,  Col.,  and  numerous  tests  which  we  have  made, 
we  think  that  question  has  been  entirely  dispelled,  and  the  terra  cotta  lumber  (porous  terra  cotta)  stands  so  far  superior  to  other  materials  for  fire- 
proofing that  it  will  be  a question  now:  can  we  get  the  porous  terra  cotta  for  our  building?  If  so,  we  cannot  afford  to  use  anything  else. 

We  are  enabled  to  manufacture  hard  tile  just  as  well  as  terra  cotta  lumber,  but  as  we  state  above,  we  desire  only  to  give  Architects  and  Build- 
ers in  this  catalogue,  that  which  is  best  to  be  used,  and,  in  doing  so,  we  treat  only  on  porous  terra  cotta  for  Arches,  Partitions  and  Furring,  and  the 
following  are  the  reasons. 

First.  It  is  an  absolute  non-conductor  of  Heat,  Cold  and  Sound. 

Second.  By  reason  of  its  porosity,  plaster  adheres  to  it  better  than  to  any  other  material. 

Third.  It  can  be  altered  with  but  little  trouble  without  injuring  the  plaster,  and  this  is  a very  great  advantage  in  a large  building. 

Fourth.  It  will  hold  nails  and  screws  perfectly. 

Fifth.  It  is  lighter  in  weight  than  any  other  fire-proofing  material,  thereby  affording  a great  saving  in  the  iron  work  which  enters  into  the 
construction  of  a building. 

Terra  Cotta  Lumber  is  a name  given  to  a composition  of  clay  and  saw-dust  fashioned  into  hollow  forms,  burned  like  common  brick  in  which 
process  of  burning,  the  saw  dust  is  consumed  leaving  a porous  earthenware  tile  of  extreme  lightness,  great  elastic  strength  and  durability.  Which  by 
these  characteristics  adapts  it  for  all  classes  of  buildings,  from  the  largest  Office  or  Hotel  building  to  the  smallest  dwelling  house. 

The  Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company  is  operated  under  a license  from  the  International  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  by 
which  it  has  the  right  to  manufacture  this  material  under  the  Gilman  Patents.  The  International  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  the  parent 
company,  as  licensor,  is  the  proprietor  of  four  United  States  Letters  patent  upon  Composition  of  Matter  “Bed  Rock’’  patents,  as  they  are  termed 
being  the  foundation,  as  it  were,  of  the  art,  which  in  turn,  are  backed  by  thirty  others,  protecting  the  various  specific  applications  to  Architectural 
fire-poofing  and  other  purposes. 

The  possession  of  Letters  Patent  is  prima  facie  evidence  that  the  holder  is  entitled  to  them,  until  it  is  clearly  proven  that  the  originality  of  the 
invention  began  not  with  him.  Manufacturers  of  Terra  Cotta  Lumber,  or  Porous  Terra  Cotta,  in  this  and  other  sections  of  the  country,  who  are 


4 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


making  the  material  in  violation  of  the  rights  held  by  the  International  Company  under  its  United  States  Patents,  cannot  offer  protection  against 
heavy  damages  to  purchasers  of  this  material,  as  they  are  liable  as  well  as  the  manufacturers. 

Our  Company  is  prepared  to  furnish  estimates,  and  execute  promptly  all  contracts  entrusted  to  its  care  in  any  part  of  the  United  States 
having  experienced  men  whom  we  send  to  construct  material  in  the  building.  Our  factory  is  the  largest  in  capacity  of  any  other  now  manufacturing 
Terra  Cotta  Lumber,  and  our  facilities  are  unsurpassed. 

Correspondence  is  solicited  from  Architects,  Builders,  dealers  and  others  interested.  Any  information  not  contained  in  the  following 
pages  will  be  gladly  furnished  upon  application. 

PITTSBURGH  TERRA  COTTA  LUMBER  COMPANY. 


TESTS. 

In  giving  the  description  of  the  following  tests,  we  beg  to  state,  that  they  are  only  a few  of  many  which  we  have  made  for  Architects  and 
Builders,  we  have  also  a few  described  which  other  manufacturers  have  made,  any  further  information  that  we  can  furnish  will  be  cheerfully  given 
by  us,  all  tests  given  here  have  been  made  under  the  supervision  of  Architects,  names  of  whom  we  will  furnish  if  desired,  and  also  cheerfully 
give  to  those  who  may  desire  the  benefit  of  very  numerous  private  tests  which  we  have  made. 

WHAT  TESTS  HAVE  PROVEN. 

First.  It  is  the  only  material  that  will  stand  a great  load. 

Second.  It  will  not  break  under  a weight  dropped  from  a reasonable  distance. 

Third.  It  is  the  only  material  which  will  stand  a continuous  fire  without  breaking. 

Fourth.  It  is  the  only  material  that  when  heated  will  not  fly,  crumble  or  break,  when  a stream  of  cold  water  is  thrown  upon  it  as  Hard 
Tile  will  do. 

The  above  requirements  are  those  which  are  needed  for  fire-proofing  material,  terra  cotta  lumber  being  a non-conductor  prevents  the  iron 
beams  in  a building  from  getting  red  hot  in  case  of  a fire. 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pitttsburgh,  Pa. 


\J.  S.  GOVERNMENT  TEST. 


It  will  be  observed  from  the  report  given  below  by  Major  F.  IT.  Parker;  Ordnance  Department,  U.  S.  A.,  of  tests  made  with  the  United  States 
testing  machines,  December  17,  1886,  that  a 12  inch  flat  arch,  for  instance,  is  capable  of  sustaining  a load  ten  or  twelve  times  greater  than  is  actualiy 
required.  The  following  is  taken  from  Major  Parker’s  report  : 


No.  1. 


6 02 


No.  8. 


6'  86 


STYLE  OF  SPECIMENS. 


No.  5. 


No.  6. 


4.  2 


No.  7. 


6 3 


/ OO 


O 9&- 


B 1. 


o"9a 


/.  00 


/ oc7  o’se  0 98 


No.  9. 


No.  10. 


100  05 7 


re  ri 

O.  S3  A- 


O 93 


MARKS. 

W'EIGHT 

LBS. 

SECTIONAL 

AREA 

SQUARE  IN. 

FIRST  CRACK 

LBS. 

ULTIMATE 

STRENGTH. 

TOTAL 

LBS. 

LBS. PER 
SQUARE  IN. 

A 1 

81 

22.62 

16,480 

16,440 

729 

A 2 

81 

24.24 

18,250 

18,250 

753 

A 3 

84 

25.80 

29,100 

29,100 

1128 

B 1 

81 

20.32 

14,850 

14,850 

731 

E 2 

8 

20.27 

11,280 

11,280 

557 

C 1 

17.66 

2,240 

12,240 

693 

C 2 

4* 

17.26 

16,160 

16,160 

936 

D 1 

71 

23.90 

30,100 

30,100 

1259 

D 2 

131 

46.71 

33,950 

33,950 

727 

<rr 


From  A.  M,  Gow,  Supervising  Engineer  Pittsburgh  Exposition: 

STRENGTH  TEST: — “The  Porous  Terra  Cotta  pieces  made  by  your  Pittsburgh  Company  I had  broken  at  the 
Exposition,  and  they  averaged  1000  LBS.  TO  THE  SQUARE  INCH.  They  were  tested  on  one  of  Reihle  Bros, 
testing  machines-  it  is  indeed  a great  building  material .” 

A.  M.  GOW,  Supervising  Engineer , Pittsburgh. 


6 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


WEIGHT  TESTS. 


Load  put  on  May  20th,  1890.  6 in.  Arch,  5 ft.  6 in.  Span. 


Tested  to  6oo  pounds  to  square  foot.  Weight  left  on  30  days, 
Arch  perfectly  sound;  no  signs  of  weakness  in  any  tile  or  joint  when 
weight  was  removed. 


Tested  to  1,000  pounds  to  square  foot.  Weight  left  on 
90  days.  When  load  was  taken  off  Arch  the  beams  were  re- 
moved away  from  tile  and  the  Arch  was  let  fall  from  about 
four  feet  high  without  breaking  it.  It  held  together  like  one 
piece,  showing  conclusively  that  no  damage  had  resulted 
from  the  load. 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


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Test  No.  26  was  tested  at 
our  factory. 

Test  No.  40  was  tested  by 
us  in  the  Holland  House,  Cor. 
30th  street  and  5th  avenue, 
New  York  City,  N.  Y. 


TEST  No.  20. 

This  arch  was  built  in  October,  1890.  800  lbs.  to  square  foot  was 

put  on.  It  was  left  standing,  exposed  to  all  kinds  of  weather,  and  when 
bricks  were  removed  in  April,  1891,  it  was  to  all  appearance* as  good  as 
when  built.  This  arch  had  fully  1200  lbs.  to  the  square  foot,  including 
the  brick,  rain  and  snow. 


TEST  No.  40. 

Several  tests  the  same  as  this  were  given  by  us  for  the  Building  De- 
partment in  New  York  City.  The  last  was  1050  lbs.  to  square  foot,  put 
on  a soaking  wet  arch  and  left  standing  30  days  and  exposed  to  the 
weather.  The  arch  is  still  in  the  building,  and  as  good  as  ever. 


MEICHT  TESTS. 


Load  put  on  October,  1890.  10  in.  arch.  6 ft.  span. 


Load  put  on  September,  1890.  10  in.  arch.  5 ft.  6 in.  span. 


8 


Pittsburgh  Terra-Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


WEIGHT  HND  EIRE  TEST. 

Load  putonMay  29th,  1891.  8 in.  Arch.  5 ft.  6 in.  Span. 


TEST  No.  45. 

This  test  was  given  in  the  Ferguson  Block,  Pittsburgh.  A weight  of 
850  lbs.  to  square  foot,  or  over  five  tons  was  put  on,  and  left  standing 
five  days.  No  damage  resulted  to  arch,  and  it  is  still  in  the  building. 


TESTING  POROUS  EARTHENWARES  IN  ENGLAND. 

City  Buildings,  69  Corporation  Street,  ! 

Manchester,  England, 

March  6,  1889.  ) 

Editors,  Fire-Proofer — Your  excellent  periodical  continues  to 
reach  me,  and  does  good  service  in  this  country.  The  illustrations  of 
methods  of  using  the  wares,  and  articles  on  same  are  of  great  value. 

I often  receive  letters  containing  the  following  query:  “How  do 
you  know  the  material  is  fire-proof?”  To  satisfy  such  inquirers,  I have 
secured  an  apparatus,  very  much  like  a blow-pipe,  which  can  be  carried 
in  a hand  bag.  This  produces  a most  intense  heat  of  3400  degrees 
Fahrenheit,  sufficient  to  melt  palladium.  A test  of  this  sort  is  quite 
sufficient,  when  slabs  one  and  one-half  inch  thick,  can  be  heated  to  a 
white  heat  on  one  side  and  still  carried  on  one’s  bare  hand. 

At  Liverpool,  I had  two  of  these  apparati  producing  this  raging 
heat  for  a long  time  on  a slab,  one  and  one-quarter  inches  thick,  and  at 
the  same  time  my  bare  hand  was  held  on  the  other  side.  This  test  was 
witnessed  by  the  chief  architects  of  the  city  and  the  representatives  of 
the  Salvage  Corps.  These  slabs  were  also  immersed  in  cold  water  while 
hot,  without  cracking,  thus  proving  that  the  wares  are  not  subject  to  ex- 
pansion and  contraction  under  heat  and  cold. 

I had  the  pleasure  of  showiug  this  test  before  Alfred  Waterhouse, 
Esq.,  and  other  leading  architects  in  London  last  month,  with  the  same 
satisfactory  results.  Eminent  architects  in  Manchester,  and  Captain 
Tryner,  of  the  Fire  Department„have  witnessed  the  tests  and  confidently 
recommend  the  material.  The  same  unanimously  favorable  opinion  is 
expressed  everywhere.  I find  these  tests  are  worth  a lot  of  talk  and 
far  more  convincing. 

Yours  truly, 

John  Nash. 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


it 


TESTS. 

These  tests  were  made  at  Denver,  Colorado,  commencing  December  19,  1S90.  They  were  for  the  purpose  of  determining  what  material  was 
the  best  for  fire-proofing  purposes,  and  for  use  in  the  Equitable  Building  at  Denver,  the  arches  were  constructed  by  each  company  contesting,  and 
the  tests  were  entirely  in  the  hands  of  the  Architects,  Messrs.  Andrews,  Jaques  & Rantoul,  who  employed  their  own  men  to  do  the  testing. 

These  tests  prove  conclusively  that  in  DEAD  WEIGHT  TEST,  SHOCK  or  DROPPED  WEIGHT  TEST,  FIRE  AND  WATER  TEST,  and 
CONTINUOUS  FIRE  TEST,  TERRA  COTTA  LUMBER  (POROUS  TERRA  COTTA),  surpassed  every  other  material. 

A copy  of  the  tests  with  photographs  will  be  sent  upon  application  or  it  can  be  seen  in  the  American  Architect  6°  Building  News , of  March 
28,  1S91. 


End  construction,  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  (Porous  Terra  Cotta) 
Arch  built  ready  for  testing. 


Common  method  of  construction,  Hard  Tile  Arch,  built  ready 

for  testing. 


10 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


DGHD  L_07AD  TGSTS, 

Porous  Tile  Arch.  End  construction  as  it  appeared  with  its  great-  Hard  Tile  Arch.  Common  method  of  construction  as  it  appeared 

est  load,  namely,  15.-577  pounds,  equivalent  to  1730  pounds  to  square  after  a load  of  5S61  pounds,  equivalent  to  651  pounds  to  square  foot, 

foot.  The  loading  of  this  arch  was  stopped  at  this  point,  as  it  was  The  arch  gave  way  suddenly  and  without  warning, 

feared  that  the  pile  of  pig  iron  would  topple  over  and  injure  the  work- 
men. 


DROP  IVeiCHT  TOST. 

The  two  Hard  Tile  Arches  tested,  gave  way  upon  the  first  blow  from  a ram  weighing  134  pounds,  and  dropped  from  a heighth  of  six 

feet. 

The  Porous  Tile  Arch,  end  construction,  same  ram  dropped  from  a heighth  of  six  feet  four  times;  same  ram  dropped  from  a heighth 
of  eight  feet  seven  times.  Arch  went  down  at  the  eleventh  blow. 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


1 1 


FIRE  7A  IN  D MHTER  TEST. 

Porous  Tile  Arch,  the  end  method  of  construction,  as  it  appeared  Hard  Tile  Arch,  common  method  of  construction,  as  it  appeared 

after  eleven  applications  of  water,  and  at  the  end  of  twenty-three  hours  after  three  applications  of  water.  When  furnace  setting  was  removed, 
was  practically  uninjured.  it  totally  collapsed. 


CONTINUOUS  EIRE  TEST. 

Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Arch  after  a continuous  fire  test  of  24  hours  was  uninjured  as  it  supported  a load  of  brick  weighing  12,500  pounds. 
Hard  Tile  Arch  after  a continuous  fire  of  24  hours  collapsed  on  removal  of  furnace  walls. 

& 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


12 


ARCHES. 


Our  system  of  Floor  Arch  construction  affords  the  greatest  strength  with  the  least  amount  of  space  and  material;  it  is  but  one-third  the  weight 
of  brick  or  concrete  arches,  makes  a level  ceiling  beneath,  without  necessity  for  furring  or  lathing. 

HOLLOW  TILE  FLOOR  ARCHES,  WEIGHTS,  ETC. 


DEPTH  OF  TILE  ARCH. 

MAXIMUM 

SAFE  SPAN. 

WEIGHT 

PER  SQUARE  FT. 

SIZES  OE  IRON  I 

BEAMS. 

14  FOOT 

AND  UND^L 

18  FOOT  SPAN 
AND  UNDER. 

22  FOOT  SPAN 
AND  UNDER. 

20  fc 

a yn 

SPAN 

UNDER. 

6 

inches 

5 ft. 

6" 

22  pounds. 

6"  Lt.  I Beam 

1 'ri. 

A.  I Beam. 

8"  Lt 

. I WytA. 

10"  Lt.  I Beam. 

7 

inches 

6 ft. 

0" 

27 

do. 

7" 

do . 

8" 

9"X 

TIO. 

10" 

do. 

8 inches 

(5  ft. 

6" 

30 

do. 

7" 

do. 

, 8" 

do. 

9/'V 

do. 

10£" 

do. 

9 

inches 

7 ft. 

0" 

33 

do. 

8" 

do. 

r&o. 

10" 

12" 

do. 

10 

inches 

7 ft. 

6" 

35  do. 

8" 

do. 

A 9" 

do. 

10" 

do. 

12%^ 

do. 

12 

inches . . 

8 ft. 

0" 

42 

do. 

9" 

0^0. 

10" 

do. 

10J" 

do. 

12" 

do^^^^ 

The  maximum  safe  span  given  above  is  for  a uniform  load  of  500  lbs.  per  square  foot,  equally  distributed  upon  the  Floor  Arches;  but  in 
cases  of  necessity  the  spans  could  be  increased  slightly,  without  danger  of  settlement.  The  sizes  of  iron  beams  indicated  for  the  different  spans 
of  Floor  Arches,  are  based  upon  a practical  experience,  and  are  calculated  to  sustain,  including  the  weight  of  the  construction,  a uniformly 
distributed  load  of  140  lbs.  per  superficial  foot,  which  is  the  usual  factor  for  ordinary  floors.  The  iron  beams,  when  set  in  place,  should  invariably 
be  bolted  together  with  3^  inch  tie-rods,  secured  to  the  web  of  the  beam  and  drawn  tightly  to  place  with  nut  and  thread.  These  tie  rods  should  be- 
set from  about  6 feet  to  8 feet  apart. 


i 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


13 


HRCH  ES-  END  CONSTRUCTION. 


6 INCH  ARCH;  5 FOOT  SPAN. 


INCH  ARCH ; 5 FOOT  6 INCH  SPAN. 


Detailed  Construction  of 


PERSPECTIVE — Showing 
Floors  and  Ceilings  of  Porous  Fillings  Between  Iron  Beams. 


EXPRESSIONS  OE  ARCHITECTS  AND  ENGINEERS  ON  THIS  CONSTRUCTION. 

“ Of  course  it  is  the  best.”  “ You  get  all  the  strength  of  the  material.”  “ Will  insist  upon  using  it  hereafter.”  “ Our  trouble  of  running- 
pipe,  wires,  etc.,  without  injuring  arch  is  obviated.”  “ Is  just  what  we  have  been  looking  for.”  “An  egg  will  only  stand  pressure  on  its  end.” 
“ A pipe  will  stand  much  more  weight  on  end  than  on  its  side.”  “We  find  that  plaster  adheres  more  firmly  to  Porous  Terra  Cotta  than  to  anything 
else  we  have  ever  used.” 


n 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


HRCHES--END  CONSTRUCTION, 


9 INCH  ARCH;  6 FOOT  SPAN- 


SECTION  OF  IRON  FRAMING— Dis- 
playing Methods  of  Modern  Fire-proof  Con- 
struction. 


REASONS  WHY  POROUS  TILE  ARE  BEST  FOR  ARCHES. 

They  are  absolutely  fire-proof,  having  been,  during  the  course  of  their  manufacture,  subjected  to  a white  heat.  In  case  of  a fire  they  will  not 
WARP  OR  SPRING.  They  will  not  CRACK,  even  though  a stream  of  water  is  poured  on  them  when  heated.  They  are  imperviable  to  sound. 
Floors  made  of  this  material  are  lighter  than  all  others.  They  are  much  stronger  and  better  able  to  resist  a sudden  blow  than  the  Hard  Tile  Arches. 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa 


15 


HRCHES,  MISCELLANEOUS. 


VOUSSOIR  FLOOR  ARCH. 


w 

/ FW  /of 

w 'M. 

< I !i 

rrn. 

' I % 

■ EMa 

IMPROVED  VOUSSOIR  ARCIL 


Skew  Backs  to  cover  bottom  flange  of  Beams  furnished  when  desired. 

Note: — We  are  pleased  at  all  times  to  furnish  any  information  we  can,  on  Arch  Construction,  to  those  who  are  interested.  We  invite  corres 
pondence  from  Architects,  Builders  and  Owners. 


% 


16 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  12  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


FURRING  W7AL-L-S  COVERING  GIRDERS,  COLUMNS  HND 


BE7A7VYS, 


Terra  Cotta  Furring  Tiles. 

The  use  of  this  material 
for  furringprevents  all  damp- 
ness from  penetrating,  be- 
sides giving  a circulation  of 
air  between  the  wall  and 
furringtiles,  insuring  warmth 
in  winter  and  coolness  in 
summer. 

Plaster  is  applied  directly 
to  the  tiles. 

The  tiles  are  secured  in  place  by  the  use  of  cement  and  a few 
flat-headed  nails  and  washers  that  are  driven  into  the  wall. 


Iron  and  Wood  Fire-Proofed  Posts  and  Columns.  Cement  or 
plaster  is.  applied  to  covering  and  will  adhere  firmly. 


Three  inch  and  upwards,  Partition  Tile, 
for  Furring  Walls  in  Malt  Houses,  Cold  Stor- 
age, etc. 

We  also  make  Hollow  Brick  for  Furring. 


Porous  Terra  Cotta  Girder  Porous  Terra  Cotta  Beam  Furring. 
Covering. 

We  make  different  shapes  and  sizes  of  Column,  Beam  and 
Girder  Coverings,  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  different  kinds  now 
in  use. 


.For  these  usages,  the  Porous  Tiles  are  the  only  thing  to  be  used;  it  being  a Non-Conductor  of  Heat  and  Cold  will  afford  the  protection  desired. 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


IT 


SUSPENDED  CEILING,  ROOFINC,  TILE  HMD  7VTTTINS7ARD  ROOF. 


POROUS  terra  cotta  ceiling  on  t irons. 

(Weight  from  8 lbs.  to  15  lbs.  to  square  ft.;  thickness  from  1/4  to  3 inches  ) 


HOLLOW  POROUS  ROOFING  TILE  are  from  154  to  3 inches  thick,  12  inches  wide,  and  12  to 
24  inches  long;  suitable  to  set  between  T iron  purlins.  Weight  is  from  8 to  15 
pound  per  square  foot-  Makes  a non-conducting  roof. 


POROUS  TERRA  COTTA  APPLIED 
TO  MANSARD  ROOF  ON 
IRON  RAFTERS. 


Other  designs  for  a Suspended  Ceiling,  Roofing  Tile  and  Mansard  Roof  will  be  furnished  upon  application.  We  think  the  above  will 
meet  all  requirements.  Porous  Tile  used  in  this  way  affords  the  protection  necessary  to  the  iron  Ts  or  Beams,  in  case  of  a fire  in  close  proximity  to 
the  building.  The  Porous  Tile  being  a non-conductor , prevents  the  heating  of  iron  work. 


18 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


PARTITIONS, 

Partitions  dividing  the  various  floors  of  a building  into  compartments,  are  perhaps  next  of  importance  to  the  floor  construction  in  the  necessi- 
ty for  fire-proof  treatment,  and  no  building  can  be  considered  safe  from  the  injurious  effects  of  fire,  built  with  partitions  constructed  in  the  ordi- 
nary manner,  with  wooden  studs  covered  with  laths,  even  though  the  floors  should  be  fire-proofed.  The  combustible  nature  of  a stud  and  lath 
partition  is  so  great  that  the  entire  structure  would  be  seriously  injured  should  a fire  once  get  fairly  under  way.  We  have  therefore  conformed 
Porous  Tile  to  the  requisite  shapes  to  enable  us  to  build  fire-proof  partitions  only  three  inches  thick,  that  are  in  themselves  as  proof  against  fire  as 
the  best  twelve  inch  brick  wall.  The  advantages  we  claim  for  Porous  Tile  Partitions,  above  all  other  methods  are:  Greatest  strength  with  the  least 
amount  of  space  and  weight,  and  not  only  absolute  fire  and  vermin  proof,  but  a non-conductor  of  sound.  No  one  will  appreciate  how  annoying  it  is 
to  have  an  office  in  a building  where  sound  reverberates,  except  those  who  have  had  an  office  in  such  a building.  This  defect  will  be  found  in  many 
of  the  large  buildings  in  which  hard  tile  have  been  used,  but  it  is  never  found  where  Porous  Terra  Cotta  has  been  used,  as  the  porosity  of  it  deadens 
sound  and  prevents  reverberation. 

The  average  weight  under  which  the  nine  specimens  tested  by  the  government  broke  was  eight  hundred  and  forty  pounds  to  the  square  inch. 
Our  material  stood  one  thousand  pounds  per  square  inch  at  the  Pittsburgh  Exposition  test. 

The  attention  of  Architects,  Builders  and  Owners  is  called  to  Partitions  built  of  this  material.  It  is  the  best  of  all  available  material,  and 
within  reach  of  all  classes  of  buildings. 


t 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


19 


PARTITIONS,  TABLE  OF  WEIGHTS.  ETC. 


THICKNESS  OF  WALL. 

MAXIMUM 

SAFE  HEIGHT. 

MAXIMUM  SAFE  LENGTH. 

WEIGHT  PER  SQUARE  FOOT. 

3 inches. 

is 

feet. 

30  feet. 

13  lbs. 

4 “ 

30 

U 

40  “ 

15  “ 

5 “ 

35 

( ( 

55  1 ‘ 

IS  “ 

6 

7 “ 

8 “ 

40 

u 

60  “ 

22  “ 

We  have  many  small  houses  constructed  with  party  walls  four  inches  thick,  two  stories  and  mansard  high,  which  support  floor  joists  and  roof. 
This  is  a great  saving  of  room  and  better  fire  and  sound  protection  than  a nine  inch  brick  wall. 


Wainscoating  can  be 
nailed,  or  screwed  direct 
to  bloclcs. 


Doors  can  be  sawed 
out  without  injuring  plas- 
ter. 


Partition  blocks  are  made  all  sizes,  from  3x6x12  up  to  8x10x12. 

WHAT  ARCHITECTS  AND  BUILDERS  SAY  WHO  HAVE  USED  OUR  PARTITIONS  : 

“Plaster  adheres  so  firmly  as  to  be  almost  a part  of  the  tile.’’ 

“They  make  an  excellent  partition  indeed.” 

“They  are  a great  saving  of  labor,  as  they  hold  nails  perfectly.” 

“Will  use  no  other  kind,  so  long  as  can  get  Porous  Tile.” 

“They  are  an  absolute  non-conductor  of  heat,  cold  and  sound." 

“Do  not  know  what  I would  have  done  for  alterations,  if  anything  but  Porous  Tile  had  been  used.” 


t 


20 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa 


FIRE  PROOFING  WOODEN  STRUCTURE. 

Makes  a Sound,  Virmin  and  Practically  Fire  Proof  Building. 


This  is  a very  economical  way  of  fire-proofing,  costing  but  little 
more  than  the  lath  and  plaster.  The  results  obtained  by  many  experi- 
ments have  been  very  successful  and  we  have  demonstrated  that  a 
wood  building  can  be  made  practically  fire-proof  with  but  little  addi- 
tional cost,  if  erected  upon  our  plan.  Beginning  with  the  floors,  all 
the  exposed  wood  work  is  covered  with  Porous  Ceiling  Tile,  as  shown 
on  page  21.  These  tile  we  have  tested  to  stand  the  hottest  fire  for  over 
two  hours  without  allowing  the  wood  joists  to  burn. 

Plaster  is  applied  directly  to  the  tile  without  the  use  of  wood  lath 
and  forms  an  excellent  base  for  the  plastering. 

Partitions  can  be  either  erected  by  building  up  with  mortar  regular 
partition  tile  or  by  using  studs  and  covering  them  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  joists. 

We  do  not  claim  that  this  system  is  absolutely  fire-proof,  but  that 
it  is  a very  great  protection,  and  considering  the  low  rate  at  which  it  is 
obtained,  is  certainly  a most  valuable  addition  to  the  building  trade,  and 
will  withstand  all  ordinary  fire. 

Fire  stops  should  be  as  frequent  as  possible  by  placing  tiles  be- 
tween joists  and  between  studding,  if  the  latter  is  used. 


PERSPECTIVE — Showing  wooden  joists  fire-proofed,  with  \]/2  inch 
slabs  fastened  with  wire  nails  and  washers;  wooden  posts  covered  in  the 
same  manner,  outside  walls  furred  and  partition  walls  built  of  Porous 
Tile  in  mortar;  if  preferred,  partition  walls  can  be  built  of  studs  and 
covered  with  1 y2  inch  slabs,  same  as  joists. 


The  Porous  slabs  being  a non-conductor,  renders  the  building 
practically  fire-proof,  as  a slab  \y2  inch  thick  may  be  heated  to  a full  red 
heat  on  one  side,  without  scorching  white  pine  or  setting  fire  to  paper 
touching  the  other  side, 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


21 


FIRE  PROOFING  WOODEN  JOISTS,  STUDDING  7AN  D MHNSHRD  ROOF. 


MAKES  A 
PERFECT 
CEILING. 


FLOOR  AND  CEILINGS  can  be  rendered  fire-proof  by  using  thin  sheets  of  Terra  Cotta  Lum- 
ber 1A  inches  thick,  12  inches  wide,  an.d  of  a length  to  correspond  with 
the  spacing  of  the  joists — say  12  or  16  inches,  and  nailed  thereto  both 
above  and  below,  with  screws  or  wire  nails  and  washers.  Weight 
from  8 pounds  to  11  pounds  per  square  foot. 


These  Slabs  are  made  in  various  thicknesses,  and  are  nailed  to  the  Studding  of 
Buildings,  with  wire  nails  and  washers.  They  form  an  excellent  Dead- 
ener  of  Sound  and  Fire-proof  partition.  The  partition  blocks  are 
also  made  of  any  desired  length  for  the  purpose  of  filling 
between  studs.  Weight  from  8 lbs-  to  11  lbs. 


Another  method  of  fastening  slabs  by  means  of 
light  L irons  fastened  to  joists- 


POROUS  TERRA  COTTA  APPLIED  TO  MANSARD  ROOF 
ON  WOODEN  RAFTERS. 

Makes  a non-conducting  Roof.  Warm  in  winter,  cool  in  summer,  and  Fire-proof 


An  excellent  Fire-proofing  method  for  small  buildings,  residences  Warehouses,  See.,  See. 
Washers  for  fastening  Ceiling  Tile  can  be  had  from  us  or  from  Lindsay  & McCutcheon,  Pittsburgh. 


92 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company, 


POROUS  TERRH  COTTH  ELECTRIC 
SWITCH-BOHRD. 


Electric  Railroad  Switch-Board,  built  by  us  for  the  Federal  Street  and 
Pleasant  Valley  Passenger  Railway  Company;  also  one  for  the  Birmingham 
Passenger  Railway  Company,  Birmingham,  Connecticut. 

We  refer  to  either  of  the  above. 


This  is  the  coming  Electric  Switch-Board,  and  is  well  worth  investigating. 


ADVANTAGES  OVER  ALL  OTHER  BOARDS. 

It  is  a non-conductor.  It  is  light  in  weight.  It  is  absolutely  fire-proof. 
Instruments  are  easily  attached.  It  can  be  bored  with  an  auger;  sawed  with 
a saw,  and  will  hold  nails  perfectly.  Can  be  decorated  as  desired. 


Write  us  for  information  regarding  this  superb  Switch-Board. 


Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


23 


TESTIMONIALS. 


We  give  here  a few 
extracts  from  letters  of  a few 


complimentary  letters  we  have  received  from  architects,  builders  and  owners  for  whom  we  have  done  work,  and  also 
leading  Architects  and  builders  who  have  used  Terra  Cotta  Lumber. 


From  GEO-  EDW-  HARDING  A GOOCH,  Architects,  40  Exchange  Place,  New  York. 

May  27th,  1891. 

IV.  D.  Henry.  Manager  Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Co .,  Pittsburgh . Pa. 

Dear  Sir:— In  reply  to  your  favor  of  the  23d  inst- , we  can  only  say  that  we  are  more  than 

S’ eased  with  your  fire-proof  arches  and  partition  work  recently  completed  in  the  ten  story  “Holland 
ouse,"  in  this  city,  for  us,  and  we  consider  your  system  of  floor  construction  superior  to  any  that  we 
have  seen  or  used-  We  are  now  designing  two  other  large  structures,  for  which  we  shall  specify 
Terra  Cotta  Lumber  throughout  as  the  best  material  that  can  be  used  in  fire-proof  construction. 

We  can  also  add  that  the  contractors  for  building  the  "Holland  House,”  who  at  first  had  prefer- 
ence for  hard  tile,  have  become  complete  converts  to  your  material.  Yours  truly, 

Signed:  Geo-  Edw.  Harding  A Gooch. 


From  C.  GRAHAM  A SONS  CO-,  Builders,  305  to  309  E-  43d  Street,  New  York. 

May  28  th,  1891- 

Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Co..  42  Sixth  Avenue . Pittsburgh . Pa. 

Gentlemen: — After  a thorough  test  of  your  fire-proofing  materials  in  the  “Holland  House,”  a 
ten-story  hotel  building,  south-west  corner  of  Fifth  Avenue  and  Thirtieth  Street,  which  we  have 
just  built,  we  take  pleasure  in  recommending  your  materials  and  method  of  doing  the  work,  and 
thank  you  for  the  attention  it  received  throughout.  Yours  truly, 

Signed:  The  C-  Graham  A Sons  Co. 

John  Graham,  Treasurer. 


From  JAMES  T-  STEEN,  Architect,  Sixth  Street.,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

May  23d,  1891. 

IV.  D.  Henry . Manager  Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Co..  Pittsburgh.  Pa. 

Dear  Sir: — In  reply  to  your  inquiry  as  to  my  opinion  of  the  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  as  a fire-proof- 
ing material,  would  say,  that  I have  used  the  same  in  fire-proofing  the  new  building  for  the  Dispatch 
Publishing  Company,  this  city,  and  am  satisfied  that  it  is  superior  to  any  materials  now  used  for  that 
purpose  for  the  following  reasons:  1st,  because  it  will  stand  lietter  a sudden  blow  or  shock.  2d,  be- 
cause it  better  withstands  injury  when  heated  to  a red  heat  and  having  water  thrown  on  it  than  other 
fire-proofing  materials-  3d,  the  arches  are  stronger  by  reason  of  end  construction.  4th,  because  it  is 
much  lighter  than  other  fire-proofing  materials-  Yours  truly. 

Signed:  James  T-  Steen- 


From  GEO.  B-  POST  Architect,  5 Cortlandt  Street,  New  York. 

I believe  that.  I have  used  in  my  various  works  almost  all  of  the  materials  in  the  market  for  the 
construction  of  fire-proof  arches  between  beams  and  partitions  and  furring.  Among  others,  I have 
used  a large  amount  of  porous  Terra  Cotta-  lam  satisfied  that  it  is  best  of  all  available  materials 
for  this  purpose,  and  at  the  same  price,  it  would  be  selected  in  preference  to  any  other- 

Yours  truly, 

Signed:  Geo.  B.  Post- 


From  HODGDON  A THOMAS,  Architects,  83  Fourth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa, 

May  28th,  1891. 

IV.  D.  Henry , Manager  Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Co..  Pittsburgh.  Pa. 

Dear  Sir: — We  have  used  in  our  practice,  in  a large  number  of  houses,  your  four  inch'partition 
tile  for  party  walls-  In  one  row,  of  twenty-four  houses,  which  were  two  stories  and  a mansard  high, 
we  used  your  four-inch  partition  tile  between  each  house  for  the  party  walls-  By  using  it,  we  not 
only  saved  five  inches  of  room,  but  we  feel  satisfied  it  afforded  us  better  sound  and  fire  protection 
than  a nine  inch  brick  wall  would  have  done- 

We  have  also  used  your  1%  inch  slabs  for  covering  joists,  and  they  are  all  you  claim  for  them- 
We  have  no  hesitancy  in  recommending  your  tile  very  highly,  and  we  shall  continue  to  use  them 
wherever  we  can-  Yours  truly, 

Signed:  Hodgdon  A Thomas- 


From  G.  H-  HUNT,  Architect,  London,  England. 

From  all  I could  see  and  learn  with  regard  to  Terra  Cotta  Lumber,  I feel  convinced  that  if  it  is 
properly  manufactured,  it  is  destined  to  become  one  of  the  greatest  agents  against  fire  that  is  at  pres- 
ent known,  and  I am  quite  certain  that  there  isa  great  future  for  it  in  this  country,  (England  ) 

Signed:  G-  H-  Hunt- 


From  C-  C HAIGHT,  Architect,  New  York  City,  N.  Y. 

I have  used  Terra  Cotta  Lumber,  or  porous  Terra  Cotta  blocks,  in  the  construction  of  the 
roofs  of  the  new  Library  Building  and  Collection  Building,  at  Columbia  College.  When  properly 
made  and  of  even  shape,  I believe  them  to  be  superior  for  this  purpose  to  any  other  material  in  the 
market.  Signed:  Charles  C-  Haight- 


From  GEN-  M-  C-  MEIGS,  Engineer  and  Architect,  New  Pension  Building,  Washington,  I).  C- 

The  porous  or  celular  Terra  Cotta — which  seems  to  me  a more  descriptive  name— appears  to  be  as 
good  a non-conductor  as  a double  roof  with  air  between,  in  two  strata,  and  it  is  absolutely  incombus- 
tible- It  is  not  destroyed  by  a high  heat,  and  a slab  Wi  inches  thick  may  be  heated  to  a full  red 
heat  on  one  side,  without  scorching  white  pine  or  setting  fire  to  paper  touching  the  other  s de. 

Signed:  M <'  ''’’"ir.-. 

Engineer  and  Architect. 


From  EDWARD  D-  HARRIS,  New  York  City,  N-  Y. 

I have  made  use  of  considerable  Terra  Cotta  Lumber,  or  Porous  Terra  Cotta  the  past  season,  and 
from  its  lightness  in  weight  and  deafening  qualities,  in  addition  to  its  well  known  resistance  to  the 
action  of  fire  and  water  combined,  am  led  to  believe  it  a tirst-class  fire-proofing  material. 

Yours  truly, 

Signed:  Edward  D-  Harris- 


24 


PlTTSBURGH  TERRA  COTTA  LUMBER  COMPANY,  42  SlXTII  AVENUE,  PITTSBURGH,  Pa. 


Prom  GEORGE  HODGDON,  Architect,  83  Fourth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  Pittsburgh , Pa  : 


March  5th,  1891. 


Gents: — In  answer  to  your  inquiry  concerning  the  use  of  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  by  me  in 
several  jobs,  1 have  this  to  say:  That  it  has  been  the  most  satisfactory  fire-proofing  material  ever 
brought  into  use,  and  had  I known  of  its  superior  qualities  when  I built  the  three  additional  stories 
to  the  Safe  Deposit  Building,  I should  have  undoubtedly  used  it  instead  of  the  hard  hollow  tile  ma- 
terials which  I did  use,  and  which  has  been  unsatisfactory  on  account  of  its  acoustic  qualities,  caus- 
ing an  echo  in  all  large  rooms,  which  is  most  unpleasant. 

Some  severe  tests  with  your  material,  one  of  which  was  to  nail  one  of  the  1 14  inch  slabs  used 
for  ceiling  purposes  to  a piece  of  2x10  joist,  after  which  I exposed  the  slab  directly  over  a blacksmith 
forge,  and  almost  heated  the  under  side  red  hot  without  showing  any  signs  of  scorching  the  wood  to 
which  it  was  nailed.  This  showed  me  conclusively  a ceiling  and  a wood  wall  lined  up  with  these  slabs 
would  withstand  an  intense  fire  before  it  would  possibly  get  through  to  the  wood  work.  It  makes  a 
perfect  ceiling  when  plastered,  free  from  cracks  and  usual  defects  of  lath  work- 

Being  porous  and  of  a soft  nature,  it  thoroughly  overcomes  the  danger  of  sound  echos,  which 
certainly  does  exist  in  the  hard  tile  materials  spoken  of  before- 

Very  truly  yours, 

Signed:  Gf.ORGE  Hodgdon,  Architect. 


prom  EDW-  II-  KENT) A LL,  Architect,  Hew  York  City,  N-  Y- 

Terra  Cotta  Lumber  in  the  rough  affords  excellent  blocks  for  floors,  furring  and  partitions-  The 
ability  to  dress  it  with  edge  tools  renders  its  superiority  over  other  fire-proofing  materials  more 
noticeable,  as  true  geometrical  forms  and  tight  fitting  joints  can  thereby  be  had.  thus  greatly  aiding 
the  architect  in  his  efforts  to  create  incombustible  architecture. 

Signed:  Enw-  H-  Kendall- 


From  FEDERAL  STREET  AND 
gart  Street,  Allegheny  City,  Pa- 


PLEASANT  VALLEY  PASSENGER  RAILWAY  CO-,  Tag- 

May  25th,  1891- 


Mr.  JV.  D.  Henry , Manager  Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company , Pittsburgh , Pa: 


Dear  Sir: — We  have  used  in  the  construction  of  our  different  buildings  a large  amount  of  your 
Porous  Tile,  and  by  its  use  we  have  rendered  our  Power  Stat  ion  absolutely  fire-proof-  Our  old  build- 
ings we  have  divided  up  by  using  your  tile,  in  the  hopes,  in  case  a fire  breaks  out  in  one  department, 
it  will  not  so  readily  communicate  with  the  others,  but  were  we  putting  up  another  car  house,  we 
should  use  your  Porous  Tile  in  such  a manner  that  we  would  have  an  absolutely  fire-proof  building- 
The  Electric  Switch-Board  erected  by  you  gives  us  entire  satisfaction,  and  we  will  cheerfully 
recommend  it  to  any  one  whom  you  may  refer-  Yours  truly. 

Signed:  Federal  St-  A P-  Y-  P-  Ry  Co- 


From  NORCROSS  BROTHERS,  Worcester,  Mass- 

November  3d,  1890- 

In  answer  to  your  inquiry  about  Terra  Cotta  we  have  to  say  that  we  much  prefer  Porous  Terra 
Cotta  for  all  partitions,  furring,  and  for  work  inside  of  building.  The  reasons  being  that  it  is  more 
porous  to  plaster,  and  can  be  cut  and  handled  with  greater  facility,  enabling  openings  to  be  made  in 
partitions  without  disturbing  the  plastering,  such  as  would  be  impossible  were  hard  clay  goods  used- 


We  have  no  doubt  but  what  in  the  future  it  will  be  largely  used  for  filling  in  of  floors.  We  used  in 
the  extensive  buildings  for  the  New  York  Life  Insurance  Company,  at  Omaha  and  Kansas  City,  for 
the  floors,  arches,  Porous  Terra  Cotta  in  one  building  and  hard  clay  goods  in  the  other-  We  think, 
on  the  whole,  the  Porous  Terra  Cotta  made  the  most  satisfactory  work  in  the  end- 

Yours  truly, 

Signed:  Norcross  Brothers. 


From  HUBERT  1’IRSSON  k C0-,  Architects,  19  East  28th  St  reet,  New  York  City. 

We  have  used  large  quantities  of  Terra  Cotta  Lumber— otherwise  called  Porous  Terra  Cotta — in 
construction,  both  for  partitions  and  to  fill  in  between  iron  beams-  Its  bearing  power,  and  tiie  fact 
that  it  will  not  be  destroyed  by  water,  makes  it  preferable  to  plaster  blocks  when  such  qualities  are 
required,  and  we  regard  it  as  most  valuable  for  fire-proof  work- 

(Signed:  Hubert  Pirsson  k Co-  , 


From  GEO-  EDW-  HARDING,  Architect,  New  York  City,  N-  Y- 


October  23d,  1890. 

Mr.  IP.  D.  Henry,  Manager  Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company , Pittsburgh,  Pa: 


Dear  Sir; — In  answer  to  yours  of  the  22d  inst-  as  to  my  opinion  of  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  as  fire- 
proofing, I will  say  that  it  possesses  the  following  advantages  over  hard  pottery ; 

1st.  It  is  an  absolute  non-conductor-  2d.  Plaster  adheres  to  it  better.  3d-  It  can  be  altered 
with  but  little  trouble;  this  is  a very  great  advantage  in  a large  building.  4th.  From  the  tests  you 
gave  me  on  the  arches  in  the  Holland  House  1 can  only  say  that  it  is  capable  of  sustaining  a load 
greater  than  our  iron  work  will  stand,  and  the  test  you  gave  me  was  the  most  severe  that  has  ever  been 
given  in  New  York  City,  and  from  our  experience  with  hard  pottery,  it  would  have  given  way  with 
less  weight- 

You  askme  to  say  something  regarding  howit  will  stand  water;  T can  only  say  that  both  arches 
you  tested  were  water  soaked  I trust  this  letter  is  what  you  desire  and  answers  your  questions  as 
asked-  Y’ours  very  truly, 

Sigued:  Geo-  Edw-  Harding- 


From  JOHN  B-  SNOOK,  Architect.  New  York  City,  N.  \\ 

I have  used  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  extensively  in  my  practice  the  last  eighteen  months,  and  will 
ingly  accord  to  it  the  claim  made  by  the  Gilman  Porous  Terra  Cotta  Company  for  its  superiority  over 
other  tire-profing- 

Signed:  John  B-  Snook- 


Certificate  From  Prominent , Master  Builders  of  New  York  City: 

As  contractors  and  builders  we  have  largely  made  use  of  TerraCotta  Lumber — or  Porous  Terra 
Cotta— in  fire-proof  construction  for  the  past  two  seasons,  aud  from  our  knowledge,  cheerfully  testify 
to  the  advantages  it  possesses  for  like  purposes  over  brick  and  hoilow  pottery,  in  rapidity  of  erection, 
permeability  to  nails,  and  easy  adaptability  to  form  by  the  aid  of  edged  tools- 

Signed:  Richard  Deeves,  66  W- 83d  Street, 
Samuel  Lowden,  165  W-  44th  Street, 
Terrence  Kiernan,  317  E-  83d  Street, 
John  L-  Tucker,  37  W-  12th  Street- 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


PARTIAL  EXHIBIT.  Showing  employment  of  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  for  Fire-proofing  Prominent  Buildings. 


HOLLAND  HOUSE,  (Hotel  Building)  ten  stories;  frontage,  ioo  by 
150  feet.  Corner  30th  street  and  Fifth  avenue,  New  York  City. 
Absolutely  fire-proof.  Floors,  ceiling,  roof  and  partitions  con- 
structed entirely  by  us.  Architects,  Geo.  Edw.  Harding  A Gooch, 
New  York  City;  builders,  C.  Graham  A Sons  Company,  New  York 
City;  owner,  Mrs.  M.  J.  Van  Doren,  New  York  City;  proprietors, 
Kinsley  A Bowman,  Chicago,  111. 

DISPATCH  BUILDING,  (Printing  House)  three  stories,  40  feet  front, 
depth,  no  feet.  Diamond  street,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Absolutely  fire- 
proof. Floors,  ceilings,  partitions  and  roof  built  entirely  by  us. 
Architect,  James  T.  Steen,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.;  builder,  A.  Gilleland, 
Allegheny,  Pa.;  owners,  Pittsburgh  Dispatch  Publishing  Company, 
Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

FERGUSON  BUILDING,  (Office  Building)  seven  stories,  90  feet  front 
by  70  feet  deep.  Third  avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Absolutely  fire- 
proof. Floors,  ceilings,  partitions  and  roof  built  entirely  by  us. 
Architect,  Geo.  S.  Orth,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.;  builders,  A A S.  Wilson, 
Pittsburgh,  Pa.;  owner,  E.  M.  Ferguson,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

VANDERGRIFT  BUILDING,  (Office  Building)  eight  stories,  60  feet 
front  by  120  feet  deep.  Fourth  avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Abso- 
lutely fire-proof.  Floors,  ceilings,  partitions,  roof  and  furring 
built  entirely  by  us.  Architects,  Longfellow,  Alden  & Harlow, 
Boston,  Mass.;  builders,  A.  & S.  Wilson,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.;  owner, 
L f.  Vandergrift,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

FEDERAL  ST.  & P.  V.  P.  RY.  CO.  POWER  STATION.  One  story; 
frontage  on  Taggart  street,  83  feet;  depth,  168  feet.  Absolutely 
fire-proof.  Architects,  Hodgdon  & Thomas. 

KENTUCKY  AGRICULTURAL  AND  MECHANICAL  COLLEGE 
BUILDING,  Lexington,  Ky.,  (Experimental  Station.)  Partially 
fire-proof,  l1/^  inch  slabs  furnished  by  us  for  covering  wooden 
joists  and  studding.  Architect,  Thos.  Boyd,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.; 
builders,  F.  Bush  & Son,  Lexington,  Ky. 

W.  L.  ABBOTT  Residence,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Three  stories.  Partially 
fire-proof.  Floors,  ceilings  and  partitions  constructed  entirely  by 
us.  Roof,  a wooden  structure.  Architect,  Geo.  S.  Orth,  Pitts- 
burgh, Pa.;  builder,  Henry  Shenk,  Erie,  Pa. 

EDMUND  HAYES  Residence,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  Partially  fire-proof. 
Material  for  one  floor  of  arching  furnished  by  us.  Architect, 
; builder, 


KEYSTONE  LAND  IMPROVEMENT  CO.,  24  dwelling  houses, 
Allegheny,  Pa.  Four  inch  partition  for  party  walls  through  entire 
row.  Architect,  George  Hodgdon,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.;  builders, 
Brown  & Granger,  Allegheny,  Pa. 

F.  M.  MAGEE,  Residence,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Partially  fire-proofed \ Par- 
titions built  of  1)4  inch  tile  on  studding.  Architect, 

; builder,  C.  A.  Balph,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

JOHN  MUNDEN,  five  houses,  Allegheny,  Pa.  Four  inch  partition 
for  party  walls.  Architects,  Hodgdon  & Thomas;  builders,  Camp- 
bell & Dietrich. 

LINDSAY  & McCUTCHEON  Office  Building  Allegheny,  Pa.  Par- 
tially fire-proofed.  Partitions.  Architects,  But/.  A Kaufman; 
builder,  J.  H.  Trimble. 

MRS.  J.  M.  GLTSKY  Residence,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Partially  fire-proofed. 
Partitions  throughout.  Architect,  Joseph  Stillburg;  builders,  Rose 
& Fisher. 

FEDERAL  ST.  P.  V.  P.  RY.  CO.  Car  House,  Allegheny,  Pa.  Partially 

fire-proofed . Partitions.  Architect, ; builders, 

Brown  & Granger. 

R.  F.  RAMSEY,  4 houses,  Allegheny,  Pa.  4 inch  partitions  for  party 
walls.  Architects,  Hodgdon  & Thomas;  builders,  Brown  A Granger. 

STERRITT  BUILDINGS,  Allegheny,  Pa.  Partitions  dividing  stores. 
Architect,  James  T.  Steen;  builder,  Robert  McCain. 

BRYN  MAWR  HOTEL  CO.,  Philadelhpia,  Pa.  Partially  fire-proof. 
Partitions  on  various  floors.  Architects,  Furness,  Evans  A Co.; 
builder, 

H.  BUENTI,  3 houses,  Allegheny,  Pa.  Four  inch  partitions  for  party 
walls.  Architect,  C.  W.  Hodgdon;  builders, 

ROCHESTER  ST.  CAR  RY.  CO.  Power  House,  Rochester,  N.  V. 
Entire  roof.  Architect, ; builder,  H.  LL  Edgerton. 

MORRIS  BUILDING,  Allegheny,  Pa.  For  sound  deadening. 
inch  tile  on  ceiling. 

PITTSBURGH  & BIRMINGHAM  TRAC.  RY.  CO.  roof  on  Power 
House,  Pittsburgh.  Engineer,  John  Wilson;  builder,  C.  A.  Balph. 

KELLY  BUILDING,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Light  Shafts.  in.  tile  on 

studding.  Architect,  J.  P.  Brennan;  builders.  Murphy  A Hamilton. 

ST.  FRANCIS  HOSPITAL,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  Partitions.  Architect, 
; builders,  L.  Benz  A Bros. 


26 


Pittsburgh  Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Company,  42  Sixth  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


Among  the  Prominent  Buildings  which  have  been  Fire -proofed  by  other  Licensed 


Terra  Cotta  Lumber  Companies. 


Auditorium  Building,  The  Pickwick  Flats,  Houghton  Flats,  Foremans  Building,  Geo.  S.  Morrison’s  Residence,  Bartolomae  &:  Leicht’s 
Brewery,  Chicago,  111.;  “Globe”  Building,  Grand  Opera  House,  New  Exchange  Building,  Public  Library,  Hathaway  Warehouse,  Ames  Building, 
Sears  Building,  Boston,  Mass.;  Registry  of  Deeds  Building,  Hasting’s  Dormitories,  Harvard  College,  Rindge  Library,  Cambridge,  Mass.;  Duluth  Na- 
tional Bank,  Duluth,  Minn.;  Knox  County  Court  House,  Galesburg,  111.;  New  York  Life  Insurance  Building,  Kansas  City  Exchange  Building,  New 
England  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Building,  Midland  Hotel  Building,  American  National  Bank  Building,  National  Water  Works  Building,  Kansas  City, 
Mo.;  Nevarro  Apartment  House,  Henry  Villard’s  Mansion,  New  Library  Building  of  Columbia  College,  Lincoln  Building,  New  York  City,  N.  Y.; 
New  York  Life  Insurance  Building,  Omaha,  Neb.;  Washington  County  Court  House,  Washington,  Iowa.;  The  United  States  Court  House  and  Post 
Office,  Equitable  Life  Insurance  Building,  Bush  &:  Morse’s  Metropole  Hotel,  Denver,  Col. 


KND  7WKIStV  OTHERS. 


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JAS.  T-  STEEN,  ARCHITECT.  ' R,  . - . 

DISPATCH  BUILDING,  PITTSBURGH. 


THOROUGHLY  FI  R E- PROOFED  ,BY  1 

PITTSBURGH  TERRA  COTTA  LUMBER  CO. 


LONGFELLOW.  ALDEN  & HARLOW.  ARCHITECTS. 

VANDERGRlfT  BUILDING,  PITTSBURGH. 

THOROUGHLY  FIRE-PROOFED  BY 

PITTSBURGH  TERRA  COTTA  LUMBER  CO. 


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GEO.  S.  ORTH.  ARCHITECT. 

W.  L.  ABBOTT  RESIDENCE,  PITTSBURGH. 

PARTIALLY  FIRE-PROOFED  BY 

PITTSBURGH  TERRA  COTTA  LUMBER  CO. 


npING  A GOOCH.  ARCH ITECTS. 

HOLLAND  HOU$£,  NEW  YORK  CITY. 

lOO  FT  ON  STH  AVE.,  \& 0 FT  ON  30TH  ^T.  COlTABOUT  $1,000,000. 

THOROUGHLY  FIRE-PROOFEb  BY 

PITTSBURGH  TERRA  COTTA  LUMBER  CO. 


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BLOCK,  PITTSBURGH. 

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OUGHLY  FIRE-PROOFED  BY 

RGH  TERRA  COTTA  LUMBER  00. 

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